ARTslant NY : Stereo Types by Yaelle Amir

Stereo Types
by Yaelle Amir

Group Show
Number 35 Gallery
39 Essex Street, New York, NY 10002
July 17, 2009 - August 15, 2009

The summer exhibition on view at Number 35 introduces the work of three fairly unknown New York artists in a thought provoking arrangement. The joining of Michael Paul Britto, Carlos Sandoval de Leon, and Diane Wah’s oeuvres generates a reciprocal dialogue that ultimately serves to strengthen the individual projects.



Wah’s black and white photographs present close up views of seductive women and men in intimate settings. The sexual tension that arises from her images is reinforced by the titles of the works, I Fall in Love Too Easily (2009) and In a Sentimental Mood (2009), which evoke familiar jazz references. The direct gaze of Wah’s subjects hints to recognition of power—while the female portraits present a strong sense of self-awareness, the men appear as if surrendering to their desire.



In his video and vinyl on mirror works, Britto challenges the viewer to reflect on their reaction to the use of the ‘N word.’ Although perceived mostly as a derogatory term, it is extensively incorporated into hip-hop culture. In the two-channel video and mirror plaques What Up Nigga! What Up Son! (2009), Britto introduces the inter-changeable usage of this word in black culture. In the video, Britto repeats the two title-phrases in a seemingly infinite loop. In placing these sayings side by side, he tests the viewers’ reactions, bias, and associations towards this loaded term.



Sandoval de Leon’s sculpture P+P (2009) is composed of mundane, yet socially charged objects and raw materials. Made of bulletproof plastic, the tall rectangular structure contains used bar soap, empty bottles of shampoo and conditioner, and a “stash” book. Together, these components allude to a deserted hideout or a temporary environment. Providing the viewers with associative everyday items, Sandoval de Leon relies on their imagination to find personal and cultural significance in his work.

These three artists share an urge to dissect the structure of our society in building upon personal and familiar elements, such as jazz, hip-hop, and raw materials. In so doing, the viewers are able to acknowledge and confront their own sentiments on the contentious subjects of race, appropriation, power dynamics, and our culture’s unrelenting detritus.

Images: Michael Paul Britto, What Up Nigga! What Up Son! (2009); Carlos Sandoval de Leon, P+P (2009); Diane Wah, In a Sentimental Mood (2009). Courtesy of the artists and Number 35.

Number 35 Presents: Michael Paul Britto, Carlos Sandoval De Leon & Diane Wah

Michael Paul Britto
Carlos Sandoval De Leon
Diane Wah

July 17 - August 15, 2009
Opening reception, Friday, July 17th, 6-8 pm
Number 35 is pleased to present works by New York-based artists Michael Paul Britto, Carlos Sandoval de Leon and Diane Wah.

Born and bred in Brooklyn, Michael Paul Britto began his career as a child, making television shows to amuse his family, with his aunt's VHS camera. Completely self taught and trained in desktop editing and imaging, he shoots his own material, edits at home and manipulates the images he collects on his personal computer. Britto's works range from narrative, documentaries and experimental videos, digital photography, sculpture, and performance.

Carlos Sandoval de Leon's work intends to re-charge generic symbols found in everyday commodities. Juxtaposing objects to create double entendres that operate in and out of social environments.

Diane Wah is a Haitian-American artist from Queens, NY. Wah stumbled into visual art and is now an interdisciplinary maker of popular culture. Working in various mediums, fusing elements of photography, sculpture, printmaking and graphic design, she creates interesting, witty, political and always funny alterna-narratives.

Summer gallery hours are Wednesday - Saturday, 12 - 6 pm and by appointment. For more information, please contact Cindy Rucker at 212-388-9311 or cindy@numberthirtyfive.com.